Prison Fellowship® continues to advocate for justice that restores. As Prison Fellowship gears up for Second Chance Month in April, we thank you for your support as we continue to advocate for justice that restores. We're excited about what's happening across the country.
Here are the highlights:
Photo: iStock.com/gradyreese
UNLOCKING SECOND CHANCES
April is Second Chance Month! Prison Fellowship is raising awareness about the second prison of obstacles people with criminal records face. We want to unlock second chances in a variety of ways:
- Second Chances 5K races in Denver (4/8) and Paul (4/23). Sign up today!
- Resolutions declaring April as Second Chance Month for policymakers (Not a policymaker? Donate your signature!)
- Second Chance Sunday: If your church is interested bringing awareness to your community about the needs of returning citizens, sign up for Second Chance Sunday!
FEDERAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
Prison Fellowship is speaking with members of Congress on the House and Senate Appropriations Committee to urge them to continue funding for key criminal justice grant programs like the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Second Chance Act, and others.
LOUISIANA’S JUSTICE REINVESTMENT INITIATIVE
The Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) in Louisiana is a data-driven approach to improve public safety, reduce corrections and related criminal justice spending, and reinvest savings in strategies that can decrease crime and reduce recidivism.
Craig DeRoche testified on March 2 before the Justice Reform Task Force in Baton Rouge on the importance of justice reinvestment:
While incarceration is an important form of punishment, community supervision and other appropriate alternatives can be more effective at reducing recidivism for lower-level and nonviolent crimes. By strengthening accountability options in its communities, Louisiana can safely reduce its prison population and achieve significant financial savings. These savings, when invested in the creation of a better criminal justice system, will provide better opportunities to transform lives and communities.
Rather than perpetuating brokenness, Louisiana can build her families. Instead of high recidivism rates, Louisianans can experience restoration."
SMART ON CRIME IN TEXAS
Later in March, Prison Fellowship will co-host a panel discussion with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Panelists include Faith and Justice Fellowship members Senator Konni Burton (R-TX) and Representative Matt Krause (R-TX); Right on Crime Marc Levin, and Faith and Freedom Coalition Tim Head. The panel will be moderated by Craig DeRoche.
An art exhibit created by the incarcerated and their children will also be featured.
JUSTICE THAT RESTORES
With more than 40 years of experience helping restore men and women behind bars, Prison Fellowship advocates for federal and state criminal justice reforms that transform those responsible for crime, validate victims, and encourage churches and communities to play a role in creating a safe, redemptive, and just society.
